Dodgers Howie Kendrick, Yasmani Grandal begin injury rehab assignments

SAN FRANCISCO >> Howie Kendrick and Yasmani Grandal are begiing minor league rehab assignments Friday, Kendrick with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Grandal with Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Both players are expected to be activated from the 15-day disabled list in time for the Dodgers’ home opener Tuesday.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Kendrick will be the designated hitter Friday night in his first action since straining his left calf muscle. He’ll play one game at third base and a two more at second base, presumably leaving him no days off between now and Tuesday. Rancho plays at home each of the next four days.

The plan originally called for Kendrick to play a simulated game Friday in the Dodgers’ extended spring training camp in Arizona.

“It’s not necessarily the competition,” Roberts said. “He just kind of wanted a change of scenery. We feel comfortable.”

With Grandal, Roberts said “it was more just the competition (level). He’s had a lot of at-bats against some guys in Arizona.”

The Oklahoma City Dodgers are starting their season on the road in Nashville.

A.J. Ellis will catch Kenta Maeda on Tuesday, Roberts said. Grandal, who’s been battling soreness in his right foream, will “get ready for at-bat potentially later.”

Dodgers sign LeCure

The Dodgers signed right-handed pitcher Sam LeCure to a minor league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

LeCure, 31, made 250 appearances over the past six seasons for the Cinciati Reds, all but 10 in relief. He has a 10-16 record and a 3.51 ERA (3.75 FIP) in his career.

LeCure split last season between the majors and Triple-A, and spent spring training in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ camp until he was released. In eight Cactus League appearances, LeCure allowed seven runs and 11 hits in eight iings.

He’s with the team on its season-opening road trip to Nashville.

Also

Roberts provided a brief update on infielder Alex Guerrero, who was held behind in Arizona to rehab a knee injury. “Alex is feeling better,” Roberts said. “He’s had one MRI that showed some things with his knee, but he’s still not doing baseball activity. We’re trying to make sure it doesn’t get into something else so he’s still kind of laying low.” Guerrero is on the 15-day disabled list. ... Pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a simulated game Friday in Arizona.

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